Chicago Cubs Handcuffed by Ryan Dempster's Stubbornness

Ryan Dempster is a great pitcher. But the way he has played the media and the fans may make his last few days, or months, with the Chicago Cubs as bumpy as they've ever been.

As of now, the Atlanta Braveshave moved on from trading 22-year-old pitcher Randall Delgado for Dempster, a move that excited Cubs fans, and would have enshrined Dempster as a guy who always kept the Cubs' interests close to his heart.

However, when word leaked that the trade was agreed to, Dempster took to the airwaves to voice his displeasure and say "there is no trade." Now it is almost like he is punishing the Cubs for letting that slip by dragging his feet all the way to the trade deadline.

Dempster has told sources that he would prefer to be in Los Angeles, in large part because his family would be closer to his relatives. But then why would he tell Ken Rosenthal that he would be interested in joining any contender?

If it was Los Angeles or nothing, you should've let teams know.

I understand the family issue, but at the same time we are only talking about three months. If Dempster was concerned about his family, he should have demanded a contract extension so he could move his family somewhat permanently.

After all, he holds 10-5 rights which means he can veto any trade, so he is entitled to everything he has done, no matter how childish or selfish it comes off. But he could have looked out for his family and the Cubs by letting teams know that an extension would need to be dealt with beforehand.

There are certain occupational hazards that come with playing baseball, trades being one of them. It can separate you from your friends and family, which is hard for anyone. But that is the way it is, and all jobs come with some kind of hazard.

So suck it up, Demp. It's only a few months, and then you'll have your pick of teams to go to. Oh yeah, you will also be putting yourself into a pennant race as opposed to pitching for a new contract with the lowly Cubs.

While the Cubs now appear to be desperately trying to trade Dempster, all other potential trades are put into a holding pattern, stalling much needed action that could really help the Cubs long-term.

Garza. LaHair. Soriano. All three players have drawn interest, but no serious talks have happened because of the Dempster debacle.

The Dempster Debacle will prove to be detrimental to the Cubs' short and long-term plans.